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MODERN MINING
July 2014
GREEN MINING
P
retoria-based I-CAT specialises in
the development of products and
services that ensure environmen-
tal compliance for its industrial
clients. Professor Jan du Plessis, a
non-executive director of the company, notes
that dust suppression has evolved from an op-
tional minimal compliance system into a fun-
damental necessity in the local mining sector.
“Dust is a pervasive problem that under-
mines the health of workers, impacts negatively
on the surrounding environment and substan-
tially reduces the lifespan of machinery. It can
damage even the most sophisticated equipment
and technology. It is, therefore, imperative to
effectively control dust on a continuous basis
with objectives that reach far beyond legislative
compliance,” he explains.
Numerous factors can be associated with
excessive dust generation in the mining sector.
The main contributor, however, is widely rec-
ognised as haulage roads with large volumes of
traffic (although other operational processes –
such as blasting, drilling, dumping and loading
– are also significant contributors).
Although water is the most commonly used
dust suppressant, it is severely limited in its
effectiveness, states du Plessis. “Using only
water to control dust is a perpetually costly task
that offers limited dust suppression. The futil-
ity of wasting time, money, and precious water
resources is increased as the water quickly
evaporates, and dust is again released into the
environment.”
Through its commitment to continuous
research and development, I-CAT says it is able
to ensure efficient dust control and full envi-
ronmental compliance for its clients through
innovative and cost effective products that
assist with surface stabilisation, while ensuring
a significant reduction in water usage.
Dust suppressant products
RDC 20 is a water soluble anionic polyelec-
trolyte polymer that has been exclusively
developed by I-CAT. It is an innovative for-
mulation of blended emulsified
co-polymers and ionic modifiers.
When sprayed onto the road surface,
RDC 20 forms a durable cross linked
matrix. The matrix binds fine soil
particles into larger heavier particles,
which are less prone to become air-
borne. RDC 20 is used on temporary
roads, as it is a cost efficient means
to improve road and dust conditions
exponentially.
Du Plessis says I-CAT has received
overwhelmingly positive feedback
from mines where the product is
applied, and especially where I-CAT
is contracted to manage the dust
control on mine roads. “The overall
ambient dust at our largest operation
in the Northern Cape has improved
by more than 40 per cent, when com-
pared to the readings prior to I-CAT
managing the secondary roads at the
SA company
offers dust
suppression solutions
The ‘DustMonster’ range
minimises the effects of dust
by creating an ultra-fine
mist that attracts dust and
encapsulates the airborne
particles, before driving
them to the ground.
Increasingly stringent environmental legislation has
resulted in on-site dust suppression systems becoming
virtually mandatory for Africa’s mines. I-CAT Environmental
Solutions says it has been a leader in this field since 2007
and can offer a range of highly effective solutions.
